CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
It is widely accepted that education is one of the leading instruments for promoting economic development as it encompasses some processes individuals go through to help them develop and utilize their potentials. Okeke (2007) posit out that, through education, individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and attitude that are necessary for effective living. This is the reason in all modern nations, investment in the education of the youth is considered most vital. According to Onsomu (2006), secondary education is an important sub-sector of education in the preparation of human capital for development and provision of life opportunities as it provides a vital link between basic education and the world of work on one hand, and further training on the other hand. Furthermore, manifestations of quality education have to do with literary cognitive abilities, performance, and progression to higher levels of learning.
However, quality education cannot be achieved without local resources which play an important role in the achievement of educational goals and objectives. Local resources according to Usman (2007) are central to the educational progress because they play an important role in the achievement of educational goals and objectives since they facilitate teachers’ work and accelerate learning on the parts of the students.
Haluack (1990) emphasized that the availability of relevant local resources contributes to the academic achievement of students. According to Kembui (1995) in a study of the relationship between educational resources and students’ academic performance in Kenya noted a very strong positive relationship between local resources and academic performance of students. According to him, schools with more resources performed better than schools that are less endowed. This collaborated the findings of a study by Babayomi (1999) that private schools because of the availability and adequacy of teaching and learning resources performed better than public schools.
The Availability Of Local Resources And Utilization In The Teaching Of Biology In Secondary Schools
According to Patel (1986), a shortage of local resources hindered effective utilization. This is supported by Njoroge (2000) in a study on factors affecting availability, acquisition, and utilization of local resources in the teaching of Biology in selected secondary schools in Kenya found that unavailability of local resources hinders effective utilization. However, Kitheka (2005) noted that schools with abundant resources may not always utilize them efficiently and consequently fail to raise student’s level of performance. On the other hand, schools with limited resources may utilize what they have efficiently and this may boost learning thus students should be able to maximize and utilize available resources so as to adequately achieve educational objectives.
Ngala (1997) noted that the utilization of available local resources is more important than quantity. This is supported by Cohen (2003) who points out that it is not making the resources available to schools that matter but getting those local resources utilized by teachers and students to get academic content learned.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Since education system is dominated by examination-oriented teaching whereby passing examination is the only benchmark for performance as there is no internal system of monitoring learning achievements within an educational cycle, performance in WAEC examination in Uruan L.G.A. has remained poor with the majority of students scoring D7 in Biology and mathematic which are core subjects. This is a poor grade as it bars students form entry into a science-based degree and diploma courses. Even though many students have done to determine factors influencing the poor performance of students in WAEC examinations have indicated inadequate teaching-learning resources, teaching style, and others as the factors influencing the performance of students. This study was set to assess the Availability of Local Resources and utilization in the Teaching of Biology in secondary schools in Uruan Local Government Area.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of Local resources and utilization in the teaching of Biology in secondary schools in Uruan Local Government Area.
Specifically, the study sought to:
i. Assess the utilization of Local resources in the teaching of Biology and students’ academic performance in Uruan Local Government Area.
ii. Assess the difference between male and female students taught Biology using Local resources in Uruan L.G.A.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research aimed at producing results and adding values to teachers, students, and society at large.
1. On the part of the teachers, they will be in a better position to justify the time, effort and even money they invest in utilizing the available Local resources for Biology teaching. The finding will also guide the teacher’s subsequent steps or strategies towards enhancing better Biology teaching with regards to the available Local resources.
2. On the part of the students, they will be in a better position to access the usefulness of their involvement in the utilization of Local resources for Biology lessons. This will go a long way in making them become more interested in the activities of the available Local resources and also be able to handle and preserve the Local resources better.
3. In addition, these findings will enable students to appreciate the usefulness of their environment as it concerns their performance in Biology examination and total living.
4. For society at large, the findings of this study will enlighten society on the value of the environment. This will enhance better preservation and protection of the environment from which science teaching materials are derived.
5. In general, the finding of this study will guide policymakers, educators, curriculum planners and all concerned with Biology education review to re-affirm or withdraw their individual view or collective views about the utilization of Local resources for Biology teaching.
1.5 Research Questions
i. Does the use of Local resources in the teaching of Biology improve students’ academic performance in Uruan L.G.A?
ii. Is there any significant difference between male and female students taught Biology using Local Resources in Uruan L.G.A.?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
i. There is no significant difference in the academic performance of Biology students taught using Local Resources and those taught without Local Resources in Uruan L.G.A
ii. There is no significant difference in academic performance between male and female students taught Biology using Local Resources in Uruan L.G.A.